Emmy Award-winning Toon Boom Animation Inc. today announced the upcoming release of Toon Boom Animate 2, a new version that provides professional animators with more power and flexibility for creating traditional, digital, cut-out and Flash-style animation.

Toon Boom has listened to the animation community and is now delivering a new Animate version that reflects its requests. Animate is totally dedicated to animators and takes care of their needs from start to finish of their animation projects.

What’s new in Animate 2?
New feature highlights include:
* Fast distribution of character parts to layers
* Easy adjustment of velocity on multiple character parts
* Efficient creation of richer-looking ambiance
* Full-fledged SWF export with effects
* Direct import of scanned drawings (TWAIN)
* Convenient text capability

Key benefits
Whether preferring traditional or digital methods, animators will greatly benefit from Animate 2‘s superior feature set throughout their entire production process.

All-in-one Animation Software
From start to finish, Toon Boom Animate enables you to draw or import scanned drawings, colour, animate, synchronize sound, set camera moves, apply effects and render your projects in the leading output formats. No need to jump between multiple applications to make revisions as with Animate, changes can be implemented in real-time at any time during the production process.

Smart Puppet
Toon Boom Animate brings together the most advanced Flash animation feature set available on the market, all embedded in a flexible environment; symbols, pegs, morphing, hierarchy-based rigging, forward and inverse kinematics as well as advanced lip-sync to name just a few. In addition to its Flash shortcut set, Animate fits so nicely into your friendly circle of Adobe® products and animation techniques that you will feel at home in minutes.

Colour Tune
Toon Boom Animate shines when it comes to colouring and creating animation with a unique look and feel. Animate’s smart Colour ID system, palette management, painting tools using vector, gradient and texture translate into significant time-savings. At any point, changing character colours and fine-tuning colour ambiance is faster than filling up your coffee cup!

True Space
Toon Boom Animate comes with a powerful camera tool that enables you to animate it over time and attach it to an object, creating an impressive depth effect. Flying through your scene adjusting speed in real-time makes you want to dive in your own animated world and enjoy the ride.

Pricing and Availability
Buy Toon Boom Animate 2 now at the special pre-launch price of $549.99 US, valid until March 21, 2010. As of March 8, 2010, all new clients will receive a Toon Boom Animate 1 product code. Their Animate 2 product code will be automatically registered and emailed to them upon product release enabling them to download the software. All new clients will see their Animate 2 purchase listed on the “my products” page once the transaction is completed. All orders requiring shipping will be processed upon product release.

Information about Toon Boom Animate 2 is now available online at www.toonboom.com/animate/

Darwin Dimensions, the leader in web tools which turn internet consumers into 3D artists, has announced the launch of Evolver Pro designed to deliver superior quality 3D character models to 3D professionals. During this week’s Game Developer Conference, March 8-12, Evolver Pro is extending a special offer of 50% off of the purchase price of a single model to first time site visitors using the code GDC50.

At EvolverPro.com, users are guided through the creation of a completely unique and high quality 3D character. The user can start with either a photograph or by choosing a reference model from a library of over 1000 characters, then modify and manipulate facial features, body type and size, texture (skin tone), makeup, hair style and color and clothing and accessories. Models can be exported in a variety of formats, and/or with specular maps, normal maps, texture maps, blendshapes and full body and facial rigs for detailed body and face animation.

Evolver’s proprietary technology automatically produces a custom animation rig for the face and body of each character born at Evolver Pro. This ensures that it is both ready to animate with motion capture or and keyframe animation in any off-the-shelf 3D animation package including Autodesk Maya, Softimage and 3ds Max, and also produces the highest visual quality, artifact free final animation.

“Enabling the world’s 3D professionals and animation students with a dedicated website became on obvious choice for us” said Brian Nilles, CEO of Evolver’s creator - Darwin Dimensions. “At EvolverPro.com, we deliver an optimized experience to a very large group of 3D savvy individuals. Most users have told us that they can barely believe that a web service can enable them to create and rig a character in just minutes - an effort which normally takes professionals weeks or sometimes even months. EvolverPro also positions us to roll out a great deal of advanced functionality targeted exclusively to our professional user base.”

In addition to purchasing models for animation, users can select from a range of “pre-tuned” formats including readymade characters for Animeeple™, Mixamo™, Worldviz™, Torque™ by Garage Games™, Gamebryo™ from Emergent™, FaceFX™ from OC3 Entertainment, Blender™ Vastpark™, Relaxtend™ and more on the way.

Real-time moviemaking and next generation machinima have never been so easy with iClone4 - and now custom 3D characters can be created in just minutes!

Reallusion, the award-winning leader of 3D Cinematic tools for consumers, students and professionals, announced today
that it has licensed Evolver, the world’s first web-based app which puts high fidelity 3D character creation in the hands of consumers. Now iClone 4 moviemakers can access an optimized version of Evolver directly from Reallusion’s iClone Product Page in order to build their very own custom 3D characters - in just a matter of minutes - and have it drop seamlessly into the iClone pipeline.

This combination of technologies enables novice content creators the ability to create fully animated avatars in a fast and easy way. Combined with the power and ease of use of iClone 4, and the production of high quality 3D animation, computer generated movies no longer require expensive software or extensive training. It’s fast, it’s easy and it’s fun, with professional tools made simple for the everyday user.

“Since the release of iClone 4 our customers have continued to surprise audiences with absolutely stunning projects,” said Charles Chen, CEO of Reallusion. “We can’t wait to see what will be accomplished now that every iClone user has access to creating high fidelity custom characters - even starting with just a photograph. The options for iClone users are now clearly limitless.”

Brian Nilles, CEO of Evolver, added, “iClone and its extensive and talented user base is a great forum for Evolver technology, and we are pleased to support this pipeline with an embedded Evolver application. The tools that Reallusion has delivered to this community of artists are incredibly fast and enabling, and I believe that Evolver will open up very interesting creative opportunities with this brand new level of customization.”

The user interface is very engaging and straightforward, providing all users with a simple yet robust way to create quality avatars directly online. Avatars can now be created in three easy modes:

o Blank Avatars
o Photo Avatars
o Premade Avatars

Users can now preview the latest addition on Reallusion’s website at http://da.reallusion.com/evolver/. To start, just create a free account and you are on your way to making your very own 3D avatar.

Game developers are converging as GDC 2010 kicks into full gear this week at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, March 11-13.

StudioGPU (www.studiogpu.com) will be at GDC showcasing new features to MachStudio Pro 1.4, real-time nonlinear 3D workflow and rendering software for 3D content creation and delivery.

MachStudio Pro is in the production pipelines of some of the most recognised studios in the world, such as Weta Workshop, Zoic Studios, Square and Omation. These studios are using MachStudio Pro to create compelling 3D content for film, broadcast, game development, and more.

Drop by and see StudioGPU’s MachStudio Pro in the AMD booth # BS400.

e-on software, maker of the leading solutions for natural 3D environments, today announced it is seeking submissions for its upcoming 2010 show reel.

Following the success of the 2009 show reel, e-on software invites all Vue artists to submit recent commercial projects that involved Vue or Ozone for inclusion in the 2010 show reel, whether film, commercial, TV show, broadcast, music video, game cinematic, architectural walkthrough, or any other form of commercial animation project.

All submissions included in the show reel will receive full credit in a standardized format during playback of the corresponding sequence (at submitter’s discretion: company logo, project title and/or client name).

E-on software’s 2010 show reel will be showcased throughout the year at different tradeshows and conventions and in particular at Siggraph, July 25 - 29, Los Angeles (CA - USA).

Furthermore, submitted materials may also become the subject of online interviews and press advertising (if submitter agrees), providing permanent and worldwide exposure:

www.e-onsoftware.com/spotlight

E-on software is also interested in receiving high resolution imagery for inclusion in its marketing collateral.

Submission Process

The deadline for submitting video content for the 2010 show reel is May 14, 2010.

Entrants should send video excerpts, sample frames or web links to press@e-onsoftware.com, with a small project description (including the name of the client, if appropriate), full contact information, and their company logo.

Preferably, final video material should be available in a format of at least 720p (other formats accepted).

There are no restrictions as to what third party application is used in combination with Ozone or Vue (if any).

www.e-onsoftware.com

Award-winning game development company, Tripwire Interactive, once again pulls together the best talent and technology to create its newest game by using Luxology®’s modern 3D modeling, painting and rendering application,modo®, within the company’s development pipeline. modo is currently being used by Tripwire Interactive to design the highly realistic characters and weapons prominently featured in the action-packed release of its upcoming game, Red Orchestra: Heroes of Stalingrad. Coming soon, Red Orchestra: Heroes of Stalingrad is the highly anticipated sequel to the popular original Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45, which launched in 2006.

Red Orchestra: Heroes of Stalingrad is a first-person, multi-player PC game built on Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 3. Focusing on the Battle of Stalingrad, the game allows players to re-enact World War II as a first-person shooter, delivering an extremely realistic in-game experience due to modo’s modeling, UVing and baking toolset.

“modo has proven to be essential in our art pipeline; its grid snapping and alignment tools are very handy in blocking out levels and creating modular pieces for the in-game environment,” says David Hensley, art director at Tripwire Interactive. “The end result was that we were able to create a game that was feature-rich and visually compelling. I can’t imagine life making video games without modo on my computer.”

modo, which easily combines with other off-the-shelf software applications such as ZBrush, 3ds Max and Photoshop, gives artists the ability to enhance their workflow through the software’s integrated modeling and sculpting tools. These tools helped Hensley and his team at Tripwire Interactive to quickly accelerate the creation of character meshes, weapons and environment art.

Luxology will be demonstrating artwork and assets from Red Orchestra: Heroes of Stalingrad at the Game Developers Conference, March 9-13, in the Intel booth, #1212. For more information about the game or any other Tripwire Interactive projects, please visit: http://www.tripwireinteractive.com/.

If you couldn’t make Simon Fenton’s exclusive ‘Next Gen Asset Creation’ webinar, it’s now available to listen to on the Escape website. Jam-packed with industry insights, this presentation takes a look at the artists which have inspired the most renowned games.

Presentation Breakdown

• Games Art: Knowing the Principles
• Art History in Games
• Next Gen Asset Creation
• Next Gen Workflows

Visit Escape Studios to see the talk today.

As developers continue to push the limit and create high-quality and visually stimulating online games, the need to quickly and efficiently reduce content is increasing. Emerging 3D technology company Allegorithmic is addressing the demand to decrease downloadable client size with the announcement of its new automatic texture compression tool, Substance Redux. As part of the Substance toolset, Substance Redux features the latest technical innovation from Allegorithmic and is poised to become the definitive compression solution for online game developers, publishers and 3D engine providers.

Substance Redux was created to reduce the size of already-produced textures, and even works within online games that have reached completion. As a pure compression tool, Substance Redux is incredibly easy to use, condensing bitmap textures within a few seconds without noticeable loss of in-game quality or performance. Small- to large-scale MMO textures can be quickly reduced by close to 50 percent, making this tool a state-of-the-art solution for online games at an advanced stage of development.

“Substance Redux, the first in an exciting new line of products from Allegorithmic, is an intuitive compression tool that users are able to easily integrate into existing pipelines and production realities,” said Dr. Sebastien Deguy, president and founder of Allegorithmic. “Similar to a WinZip dedicated solely to online games, Substance Redux is a remarkably smart tool that will fundamentally change the way users reduce and compress textures.”

Key features in Substance Redux include:
Detailed texture map analysis and optimal compression scheme
Use of custom automatic filters to improve quality
Ultra fast in-house DXT compression at runtime
Plugs-ins for Epic’s Unreal Engine 3 and Emergent’s Gamebryo engine

Please visit Allegorithmic’s GDC Booth #1924 or go here to learn more about Substance Redux.

Pricing and Availability
Substance Redux pricing varies based on the type of game and gaming platform and is available for evaluation in April 2010. For more information, please contact the company’s headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand, France at +33 4 73 34 70 80, or visit www.allegorithmic.com.

One of the most prestigious competitions for creative film makers and with a top Hollywood jury, is hotting up. The invaZion 3-D Short Film Challenge (www.invazion.org) is taking place for a second time after its fulminant debut last year. As well as an all-star jury, it has now also been able to attract first class partners: PANASONIC, THE FOUNDRY and FMX in partnership contribute significantly to the success of new 3-D movies and content. Together they are providing highly sought after prizes valued at over € 20,000.

“For many entrants, the chance to present their films to an exclusive jury of top-Hollywood names or to win an award is a significant motivation for taking part in the invaZion 2010 Challenge“, admits Cornel Swoboda, Art Director at more3D. “Almost no other competition offers its participants such an opportunity. And the presentation of the winners at our awards ceremony at the FMX 2010 in Stuttgart will additionally bring on that in-the-spotlight feeling.”

All three partners are making a significant contribution towards providing consumers in the cinema and soon also at home, with the enjoyment of first-class 3-D movies in premium quality.

THE FOUNDRY delivers software technology that has been used in the production of numerous movies currently playing, among them also James Cameron’s Avatar. The winner of the main prize, “Best Overall” will get to use this software in their own productions. It comes complete with a full software licence of Nuke 6.0 and Ocula 2.0 - together worth over € 10,000.

The winners in the categories ‘Best Stereoscopic Storytelling’ and ‘Excellence in Visual Arts’ also have every reason to be happy. PANASONIC has awarded a total of four 50“ Panasonic Full HD 3D Plasma TV’s for the best 3D short-films, as well as two Panasonic Full HD 3D BlueRay players. From May, the winners will be able to enjoy the fascinating 3D effects of many new blockbuster movies within their own four walls with these innovative products.

Software prizes by MORE3D round off the prize selection perfectly, like the Full HD 3D video player moreMedia HD for second and third place. FMX is providing all seven winners with a full access pass to the FMX 2010 in Stuttgart in May!

Call for submissions: All invaZion 2010 Challenge 3-D film competition entries may be submitted from 1 March to 31 March, 2010. Then the top-ranking jury selects the winners who will be announced in May at the FMX 2010 in Stuttgart. For further details, please go to: www.invazion.org/submission.

A new issue of 3D Artist is on sale now! Featuring interviews with F10 software, Till Nowak of frameboX, and character artist for Vicious Cycle, Abraham Valdez, you’ll find plenty to kick-start your motivation, with wise words from our industry pros and inspiration from their stunning portfolios. Those looking to break into the film industry will find the mind-blowing work being produced at Vancouver Film School fantastic food for thought – in fact, whatever your career aspirations may be, you’ll find lots of helpful tips and advice in this issue, in our special Get a job in 3D feature.

3D Artist issue 13 is – in its usual fashion – packed full with useful tutorials and techniques, helping you to continue creating that amazing artwork. From free software such as Blender and Poser, to the ever-popular 3ds Max and Maya, we cover it all: learn how to create fabrics in Blender; add a touch of humour to your work in 3ds Max; and achieve dynamic character artwork in Poser. In our regular Q&A session we also cover hot topics to help you improve your workflow in Maya, Max, Vue, Poser and Cinema 4D, and in the Back to basics section we’ll teach you all you need to know about modelling. So grab yourself a copy of 3D Artist – and a cup of your favourite hot stuff – and start your next 3D adventure today!

When you need a break from the screen, check out the community and industry news in the magazine to stay atop of all the latest happenings, and don’t forget to pop the free cover disc into your machine to pick up the latest free stuff for you to use and enjoy in your very own digital projects.

Remember that we also have our online community where everyone is welcome; join up for free now, share your artwork with your fellow readers, get feedback on your latest projects, and get involved in so much more. We provide the resources for you to be your best. Enjoy 3D!

For more information and to buy the latest issue online, visit: www.3dartistonline.com/back_issues.php
Join the 3D Artist community for free at: www.3dartistonline.com